UP CM Yogi Adityanath directs police to launch drive against illegal immigrants in the state

An unauthorised slum in Lucknow where a number of Rohingya Muslims live.

Amidst the ongoing debate on the deportation of Rohingya Muslims from India, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has issued directions to the police and administration to launch a specific drive in connection with illegal immigrants living in the state.

Yogi on Thursday directed the police to identify, verify and deport 'foreign nationals' living in the state without any proper documentation and present a report to the government.

However, though, there are over 90,000 illegal immigrants living in various parts of Lucknow and with valid documents like ration cards, Aadhaar Cards. Adityanath said last month that Rohingyas are intruders and not refugees, and "have a link with terrorist organisations".

According to the previous reports of Local Intelligence Unit (LIU), these immigrants are involved in petty jobs like ragpicking, garbage collection, scrap buyers and over 90 per cent is minority.

"Most of them possess valid identities and on being questioned, they claim to be residents of either Assam or West Bengal. At times, it becomes difficult for us to trace their actual origin," an LIU officer said on anonymity.

Such illegal slums are located in Daligagh, Hazratganj, Kukrail Dam, Aishbagh, Rajajipuram, Gudumba, Madiyaon and other far off places.

"They gradually obtain ration cards and become voters of the country with the help of local politicians. Even, the police don't touch them because of pressures," said an officer, adding many don't speak Hindi.

"We have received directions from the government to conduct district level verifications and will submit a report as and when required", additional SP (LIU) Radhe Shyam Rai told Mail Today.

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